Twenty-five vehicles stopped in police crackdown

Vehicles were stopped by police on the retail park for a variety of reasons

Police have led a crackdown on illegal vehicles in Coventry.

Twenty-five vehicles were stopped in the operation at the Gallagher Retail Park, in Foleshill, on Tuesday.

West Midlands Police said three vehicles were seized for having no insurance and four vehicles were stopped for having insecure loads. Ten drivers were also prevented from leaving the site until parts of the vehicle were replaced or fixed.

The force said 11 motorists were reported for a variety of offences including excess weight, tyre defects, failing to wear seat belts, not having a driving licence or insurance, and for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Two taxis were also stopped by specialist teams and referred to further checks after defects were spotted.

The day was part of West Midlands Police's Operation Advance - an initiative across the year that involves different teams coming together for 24-hour intensive policing operations.

Among those involved in Coventry were the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and DataTag Security.

The force said the DVSA issued several prohibition notices for offences including tyre defects, excess vehicle weight and excess smoke.

"We understand that road safety is a top concern for residents, and days like these are a key part of our commitment to keeping everyone safe - whether you're driving, walking, or cycling," PC Abbi Jones said.